Problem Solving
Jake saved $50 to buy a new game that was released. When he got to the store, the game he wanted actually cost $70.
Save more money, ask parents to borrow money, get a different game
As you are walking to class you see one of your friends running up and down the hall looking frantic. Their eyes are wide open and they are clearly out of breath. No one else seems to notice.
Stop and ask them what's wrong, help them look for what they lost, tell the/a teacher they need help
Nick lied to his Mom about where he was going after school.
His Mom will ground him, He won't be allowed to go places after school, his Mom will take him to places now on
How is the phrase piece of cake used in the sentence?
After studying for the whole weekend, John thought the math test was a piece of cake.
Figurative.
Use the phrase piece of cake in a sentence literally.
What is the figurative meaning of the idiom?
Break a leg
Wishing someone good luck
In class you are taking notes for your math test but fall behind. Your teacher is explaining the lesson faster than you can write!
Raise your hand and ask your teacher to go back, reach out to a friend to get their notes
What might happen if you don't do something?
At lunch, two of your friends start making fun of the new kid at your school. The other student is at a table close by, eating lunch alone.
Tell your friends to stop, go over to the students table
How would it make you feel?
Rae has been feeling off lately. He has been more tired, gets headaches, and has had a stomach ache for a few days already.
His symptoms may get worse, he may be sick, he should go to the doctor and/or take medicine
How is the phrase cutting corners used in the sentence?
For the winter festival, Jane showed Sarah how cutting the corners off a piece of paper can make a snowflake.
Literal.
Use the phrase cutting corners in a sentence figuratively.
What is the figurative meaning of the idiom?
On the fence
Unsure about something, having trouble deciding
Mina recently moved to a new school and has been having trouble making friends. She wants to join the school's art club but isn't sure where to find information about it.
Ask a teacher or student, look at the school's website, look for a flyer
The person who sits behind you in class asks if they can copy your homework. You worked really hard on it and even stayed up the night before to finish.
Say no, offer to help with their homework, let the teacher know
What would happen if you said yes?
After finishing his homework, Michael decided to play some games before bed. By the time he stopped playing, it was already 2am! In a rush to get ready to sleep, he forgets to set his alarm.
He will wake up late, he will miss the bus to go to school, he will be tired at school and have trouble focusing
How is the phrase bite off more than you can chew used in the sentence?
Sasha realized she bit off more than she could chew when she signed up for 10 clubs after school.
Figurative.
Use the phrase bite off more than you can chew in a sentence literally.
What is the figurative meaning of the idiom?
Cry over spilled milk
To be upset over something that can't be fixed, be upset over something small
In science you are doing a lab with 3 other students. 1 student is on his phone and the other 2 are fooling around. You're the only one working on the lab report
Ask the students to do their part, let the teacher know the other students are not doing the work
You have noticed one of your best friends not showing up to your usual hang out spots at school. Whenever you try to talk to them, they walk away or ignore you.
Ask your other friends if they know anything, try to be more direct to your friend to find out what's wrong, give them space and time to come to you
Before leaving for work, Sal notices the warning light for his gas meter turn on in his car. He chooses to ignore it and leaves his house.
He will run out of gas, he will not make it to work/he will not be able to leave work at the end of the day, his car will break down
How is the phrase hit the nail on the head used in the sentence?
The carpenter hit the nail on the head to make sure the bed frame was secure.
Literal.
Use the phrase hit the nail on the head in a sentence figuratively.
What is the figurative meaning of the idiom?
The elephant in the roomAn unspoken issue/problem, a topic being avoided
Your class got the highest average on a test and so you are having a party to celebrate. Everyone is writing down different food and drinks they will bring to the party. You have a severe allergy to certain foods and are worried you won't be able to join.
Let your teacher know what you're allergic to, ask your classmates not to bring certain things, make sure to bring your own food, make sure you have your medicine in case
It's almost lunch time so you start packing up your stuff. The bell rings so you head to the cafeteria. You get into line and see how busy it is. Once you're closer to the front, a group of students see a friend and cut the line.
Tell them to go back, tell a teacher/administrater people are cutting
Eric's Mom told him that the only way he would get to go out with his friends is if he finished his chores. He promised to do them before she got home from work. Eric's Mom says he is not allowed to go out.
Eric didn't finish his chores, Eric didn't do what his Mom asked, Eric got in trouble
How is the phrase go back to the drawing board used in the sentence?
The artist went back to the drawing board after he got new paint.
Literal.
Use the phrase go back to the drawing board in a sentence figuratively.
What is the figurative meaning of the idiom?
Barking up the wrong tree
To be mistaken, looking for solutions in the wrong place